In Indiana, there is no statewide regulation governing the ownership of pigs. However, it is crucial to note that various local laws exist. Each municipality in the Hoosier State has its own specific ordinance concerning pig ownership. For instance, as at the time of this writing, it is illegal to own a pet pig in the City of Indianapolis. Consequently, whether or not you can have a pet pig in Indiana depends entirely on your place of residence within the state.
Therefore, it is of utmost importance to thoroughly review your local laws before considering the acquisition of a pig. In this article, I have compiled a list of a few Indiana cities that permit the ownership of pet pigs.
Fort Wayne, IN
In the city of Fort Wayne, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are considered domestic farm animals. According to the city's Code of Ordinances, it shall be unlawful for a resident to keep a domestic farm animal in the city limits unless approved by the Department of Planning Services. In other words, a permit is required to keep a pig as a pet in Fort Wayne, IN.
Evansville, IN
The city of Evansville adopted an ordinance requiring residents to obtain a permit before keeping a pot belly pig as a pet. Before a permit is issued, an Animal Control Officer will inspect the premises upon which the pig is intended to be kept. Only one pot belly pig is allowed per residence and it must not be allowed to live outdoors. Furthermore, the ordinance requires all pot belly pigs to be spayed or neutered by six months of age.
South Bend, IN
While it is legal to own a pet pig in the city of South Bend, Indiana, the land requirement poses a significant challenge. According to the South Bend Code, individuals wishing to own a pot-bellied pig must possess a minimum of 5 acres of land. Yes, you read that right – a whopping 5 acres of land is necessary to have a pet pig in South Bend, Indiana. Moreover, the maximum number of pigs you can keep on your property will be determined based on prevailing animal husbandry and veterinarian standards.
Gary, IN
While owning a pet pig within the city limits of Gary, IN is indeed legal, the proximity requirement to neighboring properties poses a significant challenge. According to the Gary Code, it is strictly prohibited for any person to keep a swine (pig) within 200 feet of neighboring dwelling houses. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that this regulation may not be applicable if you plan on keeping your beloved pet pig exclusively indoors.
Huntingburg, IN
The city of Huntingburg allows the ownership of pet pigs within city limits under certain conditions. For starters, only one pot-bellied pig may be kept as a pet at one residence. The pig must be registered with the Code Enforcement Department annually and be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. By the age of four months, the pig must be spayed or neutered and the tusks of male pigs shall be removed.
Furthermore, no potbellied pig kept as a pet in the city of Huntingburg shall exceed 22 inches in height, nor weigh more than 150 pounds. Finally, pet potbellied pigs must not be permanently kept outdoors within the city.
Mishawaka, IN
Residents of Mishawaka who wish to own a pet potbellied pig must possess a lot comprising a minimum of two acres of land. The maximum number of potbellied pigs permitted per property will be determined based on prevailing animal husbandry and veterinary standards.
Plainfield, IN
In the Town of Plainfield, IN, a minimum of two acres of land is required to own a pet pig. According to the Town's animal ordinance, a pig's shelter or feeding area must be at least 75 feet from neighboring dwellings.
Valparaiso, IN
In the city of Valparaiso, Indiana, a minimum of two acres of land is mandatory for keeping a Pot-bellied pig as a pet. This designated acreage must be enclosed by a fence to confine the animal securely. It is worth noting that this land requirement also applies to individuals interested in owning a pygmy goat in Valparaiso, IN.
Hobart, IN
The city of Hobart, located in Lake County, Indiana, permits the ownership of pigs within its city limits. However, certain regulations are in place to ensure a harmonious coexistence. Specifically, if pigs are kept outdoors, they must be maintained at a distance of over 200 feet from any neighboring dwelling house.
Clarksville, IN
The Town of Clarksville mandates, through its Code of Ordinances, that residents must obtain a Swine Permit in order to keep pot-bellied pigs or other pig species as pets. This permit remains valid for a period of twenty-four months.
Conclusion
The aforementioned cities are merely a few examples of locations in Indiana where owning pet pigs is permitted. If your municipality was not included in the list, I strongly advise you to reach out to your local authorities to inquire about the regulations governing pig ownership in your specific area of residence.
